Gareth Swanepoel was previously part of the Australian-owned ADR Motorsports team in the US. Image: Simon Cudby.

Carlton Dry Honda Racing has confirmed that Gareth Swanepoel will pilot their factory Honda CRF450R for the remainder of the 2013 Monster Energy MX Nationals Australia Motocross Championship.

Following the retirement of Ben Townley, Ford Dale being sidelined with injury and the recent departure of fill-in rider Dan McCoy, the team was forced to bring in an international rider to contest the MX1 category.

Team owner Yarrive Konksy admits that replacing a rider such as Townley is no easy task, but he feels Swanepoel is the man for the job with international credibility and proven results.

“Obviously it’s extremely hard to replace Ben Townley,” Konksy told MotoOnline this afternoon. “We were looking for someone that was available that had international credibility and proven results.”

Swanepoel has a list of impressive results under his belt, which includes a 250 Class moto win at Southwick’s 2011 round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in the US.

“Considering Gareth has finished inside the top three in the British championships, the German championship and has beaten the best riders in the Lites division in America as late as 2011, we felt that he would provide us a good showing in the open class,” Konsky explained.

“He was available and was really interested in competing in Australia. His long-standing relationship with Ben Townley also aided in making the decision and the team collectively have faith in progressing forward over the next five rounds.”

Swanepoel will make his Monster Energy MX Nationals debut for Carlton Dry Honda Racing at this weekend’s round six of the series at Appin in New South Wales.